The government is committed to building a country whose citizens are able to live prosperous and happy lives. The year 2021 will mark the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, while the year 2020 will be the hundredth anniversary of the birth of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

We envision a democratic system where people choose their government freely and get services from it without hassle, enjoy freedom from fear and intolerance, live with dignity; where every citizen is assured of social justice, environmental protection, human rights and equal opportunities; and where the rule of law and good governance flourish. We envision a liberal, progressive and democratic welfare State. Simultaneously we envision a Bangladesh which by 2020/2021, will be a middle income country where poverty will be drastically reduced where, our citizens will be able to meet every basic need and where development will be on fast track, with ever-increasing rates of inclusive growth.

Bangladesh as we want to see it in 2021

1. Democracy and effective parliament

Democracy and strong democratic institutions will be established for holding reliable election at regular intervals, accountability of government and effective Parliament. All necessary steps will be taken for making Parliament effective.

2. Political framework, decentralization of power & people’s participation

Local government will be given due importance with a view to effecting radical change of the political system. The local government institutions will play a critical role in development programmes. Self-reliant local self-government institutions will be established at upazila and zila levels to ensure representative, responsive and functional governance at the grassroots levels.

3. Good governance through establishing rule of law and avoiding political partisanship

Human rights will be established on a strong footing with a view to ensuring the rule of law. Independence of the judiciary will be ensured and the institutions of the state and administration will be freed from partisan influence. The basis of appointments and promotions will be merit, efficiency, seniority, honesty and loyalty to the Republic; political connections will have no relevance.

4. Transformation of political culture

Terrorism, corruption and use of religion for politics will be eliminated. Steps appropriate to the time will be taken to establish democratic principles in the political parties, transparency of political funding, civility and tolerance.
5. A society free from corruption

The institutions of the State will be made more effective along with an independent and strong Anti-corruption Commission for curbing corruption. Social resistance to corruption will be promoted along side legal steps. All possible steps will be taken to stop corruption, such as charter of citizens’ rights, right to information, computerization of official documents, and decentralization of power. Adequate checks at every level of public spending would be built into the financial management system of the government.

6. Empowerment and equal rights for women

The Women’s Policy of 1997 will be revived for ensuring equal right and access for women to the state and social space; laws which discriminate against women will be amended and 100 seats will be reserved for women for direct election.
7. Economic development & initiative

a. Meeting basic needs: With a view to providing food, clothing, shelter, education and health care to the citizens in accordance with Article 15 of the Constitution, gross domestic product will be raised to 8% by 2013 and 10% by 2021 which will be sustained thereafter.

b. Population and labour force: Population in 2021 is estimated at 165m, and labour force at 105m. Programmes will be taken up for employment of at least 85% of the work force.

c. Alleviation of poverty: We aim not at reduction of poverty, but removal of poverty, through which we shall try to achieve the Millennium Goals declared by UN by 2015, and by 2017 latest. Beginning in 2021, poverty will be reduced to 15% from 45% now, progressively. Number of poor people will rise from 45 million now to 65m in 2021, and then fall to 25m in 2021. Sustainable safety nets will be established for the extreme poor until poverty is removed.

d. Food & nutrition: Food deficiency will be removed and self-reliance in food production achieved by 2012, which will enable us to meet the nutrition needs of 85% of the population.

e. Health care: By 2021, a minimum daily intake of 2,122 kilo calories of food, elimination of contagious disease, primary health care and sanitation for all will be ensured. Average longevity will be increased to seventy years, and efforts will be made for the reduction of child and maternal mortality.

f. Education: Enrolment at the primary level will be increased to 100% net by 2010. Elimination of illiteracy by 2014, improvement in the quality of education, creation of a generation educated in science and technology, graduation degree level education made free by 2013 and ensuring higher salary for teachers are the other educational goals.

g. Industry: A strong foundation for industrialization will be established by 2021. Contribution of the industrial sector to national GDP will be doubled. Primacy will be given to agro and labour intensive industries and the highest emphasis will be given to the information technology sector. The investment policy will be geared to implementing a strategy for attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

h. Energy security: An energy policy will be adopted tapping all sources of traditional and non-traditional energy to ensure an accelerated rate of economic development and industrialization. A three year crash programme will be taken up to meet the existing crisis. By 2015, electricity production will be increased to 8,000 megawatt. By 2021, demand for electricity is projected to increase to 20,000 megawatt. We will take all possible actions aiming at enhancing our generation capacity. To increase gas production, regular survey of gas resources and work on well development will be undertaken. To meet energy demand, efforts will be undertaken for regional energy security through mutual cooperation in addition to exploring internal sources.

i. Infrastructural development: Road, rail, river and air transport and telecommunication systems will be expanded. Construction of bridges and tunnels for Padma and Karnaphuli rivers, connecting Bangladesh with the Asian highway and Asian railway, improvement of port facilities, building of a deep sea port to open up Bangladesh's ports to countries of Asia will be implemented. In Dhaka, construction of a metro tunnel, elevated rail and circular rail to remove traffic jams and to solve public transport problems will be studied forthwith in order to undertake a feasible project. The project will then be implemented on a priority basis.

j. Housing: By 2015, housing for all will be ensured. In every union and upazila, ‘growth center’ centric village housing and in towns housing with modern amenities will be implemented.

k. Environment: All measures will be taken to protect Bangladesh, including planned migration abroad, from the adverse effects of climate change and global warming. Facing natural calamities, planned reduction of air pollution, prevention of industry and transport related air pollution and disposal of waste in scientific manner will be ensured. Steps will be taken to make Bangladesh an ecologically attractive place through retention of forests and water bodies and prevention of river erosion.

l. Water resources: Bangladesh Awami League will take the initiative to formulate a comprehensive regional water policy along with India, Nepal and Bhutan for regional water security. In addition, in keeping with a comprehensive water policy, articulated earlier by Bangladesh Awami League, measures will be taken for development of our water resources and their rational use.

8. Bangladesh in the global arena

a. Achievements of liberation: Multi-pronged measures will be taken to uphold the glorious history and the fruits of our national independence and liberation, to energize the new generation with the spirit of liberation, struggle, patriotism and love for humanity. Highest priority will be given to the development of an innovative spirit in the younger generations and opportunity will be provided for them to participate in nation building activities.

b. Culture: Measures will be taken to remove obstacles in the development of Bengali culture, literature, art, music and sport and to provide all opportunities by the state to enable the younger generations to attain international standards and to contribute to the nation.

c. Foreign policy: In international affairs Bangladesh will follow the policy of ‘friendship towards all and malice towards none’.

The use of information and communication technology has been playing a vital role in the 21st century due to globalization and the government is encouraged to adapting with the coming future. The democratic government has declared the “Vision 2021” in the election manifesto which targets establishment of a resourceful and modern country by 2021 through effective use of information and communication technology-a "Digital Bangladesh".

“Digital Bangladesh” does not only mean the broad use of computers, perhaps it means the modern philosophy of effective and useful use of technology in terms of implementing the promises in education, health, job placement, poverty reduction etc. Therefore, the government underscores a changing attitude, positive thinking and innovative ideas for the success of “Digital Bangladesh”.

The philosophy of “Digital Bangladesh” comprises ensuring people’s democracy and rights, transparency, accountability, establishing justice and ensuring delivery of government services in each door through maximum use of technology-with the ultimate goal to improve the daily lifestyle of general people. Government’s “Digital Bangladesh” includes all classes of people and does not discriminate people in terms of technology. Hence, government have emphasized on the four elements of “Digital Bangladesh Vision” which are human resource development, people involvement, civil services and use of information technology in business.

The use of information and communication technology has been playing a vital role in the 21st century due to globalization and the government is encouraged to adapting with the coming future. The democratic government has declared the “Vision 2021” in the election manifesto which targets establishment of a resourceful and modern country by 2021 through effective use of information and communication technology-a "Digital Bangladesh".

“Digital Bangladesh” does not only mean the broad use of computers, perhaps it means the modern philosophy of effective and useful use of technology in terms of implementing the promises in education, health, job placement, poverty reduction etc. Therefore, the government underscores a changing attitude, positive thinking and innovative ideas for the success of “Digital Bangladesh”.

The philosophy of “Digital Bangladesh” comprises ensuring people’s democracy and rights, transparency, accountability, establishing justice and ensuring delivery of government services in each door through maximum use of technology-with the ultimate goal to improve the daily lifestyle of general people. Government’s “Digital Bangladesh” includes all classes of people and does not discriminate people in terms of technology. Hence, government have emphasized on the four elements of “Digital Bangladesh Vision” which are human resource development, people involvement, civil services and use of information technology in business.

The 3Zee launch zomlona. Expected Zunaid, Zeeshan and Zinat to put on quite a show but alas none showed up. Not in the country, apparently.

__________________
"And do not curse those who call on other than GOD, lest they blaspheme and curse GOD, out of ignorance. We have adorned the works of every group in their eyes. Ultimately, they return to their Lord, then He informs them of everything they had done." (Qur'an 6:108)

Originally Posted by al-Sagar
all the promises of Digital BD and Vision 2021 are mentioned above .......

anyway not sure whether the promises will be ever fulfilled

Thanks a lot for posting it ... VISION...felt like shopno dekhchilam, as I was reading ...

You can be damn sure, even a single point will not be fulfilled by 2021, and PM is talking about achieving it all even before 2021. lying must have some limits, beyond which it should be criminal offense...

Originally Posted by BANFAN
Thanks a lot for posting it ... VISION...felt like shopno dekhchilam, as I was reading ...

You can be damn sure, even a single point will not be fulfilled by 2021, and PM is talking about achieving it all even before 2021. lying must have some limits, beyond which it should be criminal offense...

Its called election pledge. The vision consist of real numbers with real goals (which was hardly the case in the past). One can definately put the government to task if the numbers are not achieved.
Irrespective of all the complaining, Bangladesh for once achieved zero loadshedding in the middle of summer!! The currency reserves in the Bangladesh bank is close to 11.5 billion dollar which is all time high. While most of the success is achieved through rental power plants which gets all the cursing because of the import cost of oil but it was CPD that once approved these plants. We have enough reserve to cover imports for 5 months.

We dont need Digital Bangladesh right now, please give us a government and a Prime minister who isn't corrupt to the last degree.... I usually don't wish ill upon people but hope something bad happens to both these women, it will be good for the rest of the country. First get rid of such extreme poverty, high unemployment and then talk about BS like digital Bangladesh.. scumbags

You losers can argue all you want...all I know is I can now stream wonderful videos on my phone/iPad at a much cheaper rate than Banglalion/Qubee etc etc

That's progress as far as I'm concerned. Arr BNP aashle, let them bring on 4G and if the relevant minister pockets $50mil so be it.

Oh and can we get over the corruption already...it's really boring. It's not just Hasina/Khaleda/govt officers...it's every single person. It's the f-ing CNG guy, it's my driver, it's the guy I buy my groceries from, the guy who I buy construction material from, it's the so called shushil shomaj, it's the media and it's me.

Enough with the scapegoating of Khaleda/Hasina. They didn't tell everyone in this country to become a chor, they didn't tell Bangladeshis living in the middle east to become scammers or kill their colleagues and then get executed for it.

Originally Posted by F6_Turbo
How typical...potentially something good, but all we get is bitching.

You losers can argue all you want...all I know is I can now stream wonderful videos on my phone/iPad at a much cheaper rate than Banglalion/Qubee etc etc

That's progress as far as I'm concerned. Arr BNP aashle, let them bring on 4G and if the relevant minister pockets $50mil so be it.

Oh and can we get over the corruption already...it's really boring. It's not just Hasina/Khaleda/govt officers...it's every single person. It's the f-ing CNG guy, it's my driver, it's the guy I buy my groceries from, the guy who I buy construction material from, it's the so called shushil shomaj, it's the media and it's me.

Enough with the scapegoating of Khaleda/Hasina. They didn't tell everyone in this country to become a chor, they didn't tell Bangladeshis living in the middle east to become scammers or kill their colleagues and then get executed for it.

I dont argue that it's a good thing, but would you agree that reducing extreme poverty and healthcare issues that are causing thousands of deaths is more important? Digital BD is all good but these things are far more important. We can have both if we just get rid of these idiots Hasina/ Khaleda and all our corrupt retarded politicians. Things have to start from the top, I know plenty of decent people in BD who can't speak out because of these scumbags, not everyone in the country is a corrupt douchebag.

Originally Posted by F6_Turbo
Oh and can we get over the corruption already...it's really boring. It's not just Hasina/Khaleda/govt officers...it's every single person. It's the f-ing CNG guy, it's my driver, it's the guy I buy my groceries from, the guy who I buy construction material from, it's the so called shushil shomaj, it's the media and it's me.

Enough with the scapegoating of Khaleda/Hasina. They didn't tell everyone in this country to become a chor, they didn't tell Bangladeshis living in the middle east to become scammers or kill their colleagues and then get executed for it.

Absolutely, corrupted mind is everywhere in BD society. Literally rotten top to bottom.

Originally Posted by BrianLara7
I dont argue that it's a good thing, but would you agree that reducing extreme poverty and healthcare issues that are causing thousands of deaths is more important? Digital BD is all good but these things are far more important. We can have both if we just get rid of these idiots Hasina/ Khaleda and all our corrupt retarded politicians. Things have to start from the top, I know plenty of decent people in BD who can't speak out because of these scumbags, not everyone in the country is a corrupt douchebag.

Complete off topic - apologies to all, and this is full of rambling thoughts, so bear with me....

Extreme poverty actually has decreased in Bangladesh - and that's something all governments can take credit for. The stories of people dying due to starvation is a rare thing now and healthcare is a legit concern. I am involved in that very industry, and I see it first hand, the care money buys, and what sort of healthcare those without $$$$ receive

But even that is something that has improved drastically - infant mortality, childhood pregnancy, vaccinations, access to clean water(the obvious issue with arsenic aside), sanitation etc etc are all heading in the right direction.

Access to basic education is incredible.

Am I painting a picture that is too rosy? Possibly...but one has to remember this is a population of 170mil in a piece of land that ideally would house 70mil?

All of this needs to then he set against the age of our country - people will point out Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia etc etc, but compare their political situation to what we faced.

Seriously I have nothing but optimism for the future, of course we all have our preferences on who we want to run the country, and our personal biases will shine through from time to time, but we have a young population...One that is innovative, one that is starting to show ingenuity and real entrepreneurship skills, not to mention one that feels something for this country.

This dirt poor country is providing doctors, engineers, business students(DMCH - woop, woop!!!, BUET, DU-IBA) with the very best in education at what price? Next to nothing.... I know we bitch about the standards, but we are then getting accepted into post grad programs at the best universities overseas, so our basics must be right?

Some of these brilliant minds are coming back home, and some wish to come back. I know there are a million areas to improve on, and things are frustrating as hell a lot of the times, but I remain bullish about our future.

1970 - we had 500,000 ppl killed in one of the worst natural disasters ever...
1971 - we gained independence at a great cost, and then the carry over effects of the natural disaster, war + destruction of all infrastructure led to famine. Period of instability and then military dictators...I'm ignoring the devastation of the 91 cyclone and other major incidents, but we've had to deal with more than our fair share of calamity/bad luck and evil.

Yet look where we are....Too often we get bogged down in the negatives, eita nai keno, how about appreciating what we have? I'm not saying we should 'settle' - but we need to recognize the hand we were dealt.